Does life ever go back to normal?

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Kkubsky
Kkubsky Member Posts: 231
edited February 2016 in DCIS (Ductal Carcinoma In Situ)

With my lumpectomy a few days away, I wonder if I will ever feel normal again? I almost feel like I have 2 lives...my normal one and my cancer one. I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around my diagnosis. I just hope it stays DCIS after lumpectomy pathology. Then there will be radiation. And then????? I fear that cancer will be forever in my thoughts. Even now, I look around at the general population and wonder if anyone else is dealing with cancer. It seems to overshadow everything I do or think. I guess bottom line is I have no choice but to deal with it forever but it sure would be nice if life could just be normal again....

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  • rosierosie
    rosierosie Member Posts: 71
    edited February 2016

    I feel the same way I have to go for a lumpectomy March 4,I am too wondering about radiation it is consuming all my thoughts. I too look at women at wonder if they have cancer, maybe we looked at each other???? I only wish you the best on your surgery I am sure everything will fine I even went to church to prya and the doors were closed, that was freaky, I always thought the Catholic churches were open it was daytime but I know he heard me anyway, I was praying for everyone

    Rosie

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  • Annette47
    Annette47 Member Posts: 957
    edited February 2016

    Yes it does, but it takes a while and it is a new normal .... one in which you never forget you’ve had cancer, but one in which you don’t obsess over it any longer. I’m 3 years out and life is MUCH better.

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  • Kkubsky
    Kkubsky Member Posts: 231
    edited February 2016

    Hoping I can say the same in 3 yrs. Right now it is just overwhelming!!! Trying to do normal stuff. But life is so not normal now.

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  • LAstar
    LAstar Member Posts: 1,574
    edited February 2016

    It's so overwhelming at the time, but life does get back to some version of normal. My 4-year diagnosis date is right around the corner. I had a lot of surgery, but I feel strong and whole and I have an enviable scar collection to show off at hot springs. :) The thought of recurrence lurks every once in a while, but after giving cancer so much time, I don't want to give it another second. When I was going through the treatment process, I tried to give myself cancer breaks where I would just block it from my mind and go do something fun. Even a 5-minute break felt like a vacation at first! Those little pieces of normal help. Treatment for DCIS was hard to go through, but I had a friend with Stage 4 breast cancer who gave me perspective. One foot in front of the other until it's done, and then life takes on a new sweetness. The normal busy-ness of life is a blessing after sitting around recovering from treatment. Take some time for yourself when you can, journal your thoughts, & gently hug your loved ones!

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